Stopped by law enforcement — South Carolina Permit Test

When you see emergency lights behind you, activate your turn signal and pull to the side of the road as soon and safely as possible.

Stopping somewhere safe protects you and the officer from passing traffic during the stop.

When you see emergency lights behind you, stay calm, activate your turn signal, and pull to the side of the roadway as soon and safely as possible.

Once stopped by law enforcement, turn off the ignition and radio, turn on your hazard flashers, and stay in your vehicle unless directed to exit.

Getting out of the car unasked puts you near traffic and can alarm the officer.

Turn off the ignition and radio, turn on your hazard flashers, and stay in your vehicle unless the officer directs you to exit.

During a traffic stop, keep your hands on the steering wheel so they can be easily seen.

An officer approaching a car cannot know what a driver is reaching for; visible hands keep the stop calm.

Keep your hands on the steering wheel so they can be easily seen.

During a traffic stop, do not search for your license or documents; wait for the officer's instructions.

Reaching into a glove box or under a seat looks to the officer like reaching for a weapon.

Do not make sudden movements or search for your driver’s license or vehicle documents. Wait for the officer to give you instructions.

If you have a weapon in the vehicle, inform the officer of all weapons upon first contact.

Telling the officer up front avoids a dangerous surprise later in the stop.

If you have one or more weapon in the vehicle, inform the officer of all weapons upon first contact.

If stopped at night, turn on your interior lights as soon as you stop.

Lighting the inside of the car lets the officer see you and your passengers without having to guess.

To assist with visibility, turn on your interior lights as soon as you stop to help the officer see inside your vehicle.

If the officer is in an unmarked vehicle or not in uniform, ask to see law enforcement credentials.

Asking for credentials protects you from someone only pretending to be police.

If the officer is driving an unmarked vehicle or is not in uniform, ask to see his or her law enforcement credentials.

Accepting a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt, and in SC a driver is not required to sign the ticket.

Drivers who believe taking the ticket means pleading guilty argue at the roadside; the court is where it is contested.

Your acceptance of a traffic ticket document is not considered an admission of guilt. In SC it is not a requirement that a driver sign a traffic ticket.

If you wish to contest a ticket, do not argue with the officer; you will have the opportunity to explain in court.

Arguing prolongs the stop and changes nothing; the court is where a ticket is decided.

If you wish to contest the ticket, you will have the opportunity to explain your point in court.

An officer who believes a crime has been committed can search your vehicle without a warrant if the officer has probable cause.

Knowing the rule helps drivers stay calm rather than resisting a lawful search at the roadside.

If the officer believes a crime has been committed, he or she can search your vehicle without a court-issued warrant as long as the officer has probable cause.

Emergency lights come on behind you. What should you do?

Signal and pull to the side when safe. Stopping somewhere safe protects you and the officer from passing traffic during the stop. South Carolina Driver's Manual, p.121: “When you see emergency lights behind you, stay calm, activate your turn signal, and pull to the side of the roadway as soon and safely as possible.”